Red Beans & Rice

[Mr. Plumbean]

RB&R is my ultimate comfort food; must be my Louisiana birth. Wife isn't a big fan so I only make it once a year or so; today is the day. It's pretty easy. Crockpot isn't working right (temperature gauge has blown and stuff overcooks) so I am making it on the stove. Since the wife doesn't eat Wilbur I am making it vegetarian but adding andouille to mine at the end. Here is the recipe:

two cups dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight, drained
2-3 tbs oil
2 stalks celery
1 medium onion
1 small green bell pepper
1 carrot
3 cloves garlic (more allowed)
1 quart veggie broth or water
2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
salt & pepper to taste
cayenne to your liking
2 bay leaves
2 tsp liquid smoke
2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice

Dice the veggies and cook in the oil for 5 minutes or so on medium in a dutch oven. Add seasonings and stir in. When it feels right, add the stock and beans and bay leaves. Bring to boil then bring heat down. Cook for 2-4 hours on a low boil.

20 minutes before you want to eat make the rice and add the liquid smoke to the pot.

If you want it meaty tasting add 2 ham hocks to the pot at the beginning, cook slower and longer, and omit the liquid smoke.